Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, also known as Sane Guruji, one of the main Indian freedom fighters from Maharashtra, died on November 11 June 1950. Sane committed suicide as he was upset with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi as well as several issues post-Independence. Sane Guruji was a Marathi author, social activist, teacher and freedom fighter. He is often referred to as the National Teacher of India. Slogans by Indian Freedom Fighters That Define Patriotism.

Going back to his life, Sane Guruji graduated with a degree in Sanskrit and Marathi and earned a master’s degree in philosophy, before opting for the teaching profession. He worked as a teacher at Pratap High School. Despite having an option to teach wealthier students, he chose to teach in rural areas. Sane also worked as a hostel warden. He was a gifted speaker, captivating listeners with his passionate speeches on civil rights and justice.

When he was a teacher he published a magazine called Vidhyarthi which became instantly popular among students. His teaching profession continued for six years after which he decided to dedicate his whole life for the Indian freedom struggle. Best Inspirational & Patriotic Quotes by Freedom Fighters of India for Shaheed Diwas.

After resigning from his school job, he joined the Indian Independence Movement when Mahatma Gandhi began the Dandi March in 1930. For his work in the Civil Disobedience Movement, he was imprisoned by British officials in Dhule Jail. Vinoba Bhave was also in the same jail in 1932. Bhave addressed a series of lectures on Bhagwad Gita on every Sunday.

Bhave’s work Gītā Pravachane was an outcome of notes made by Sane Guruji which he made in prison. During the tenure of 1930 to 1947, Sane took part in different agitations and was arrested eight times and was imprisoned in jails at Dhule, Nasik, Trichinapally, Yeravada, and Jalgaon.

Sane Guruji learned languages like Bengali and Tamil. He also translated the famous works of Kural by Thiruvalluvar into Marathi. He recognised the importance of Indian languages, especially in the context of problems of national integration. He later started Antar Bharati movement. Antarbharati Anuvad Suvidha Kendra and the Sane Guruji Rashtriya Smarak would continue this legacy.

In response to Gandhi’s promise to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during Poona Pact that he will spend his rest of life campaigning for the eradication of untouchability, Sane Guruji took up the cause as well. To bring awareness on the subject of untouchability, Sane toured throughout Maharashtra for about four months in 1947. The conclusion of this tour was fast at Pandharpur to open a Vitthal Temple for untouchables. The fast continued for 11 days from May 1 to May 11 in 1947, and the doors of the Vitthal temple were finally opened for the untouchables.

Sane also played a crucial role in spreading the presence of Congress Party in rural Maharashtra. In 1936, Sane Guruji participated in the Election Campaign for the Bombay Provincial Elections. In 1942, he participated in Quit India Movement for which he was imprisoned for 15 months. As a mass leader, he led political, social and labour movements, and every year on May 10 there is an annual gathering to the opening of Pandharpur Vithoba temple to the Dalit community.